Construction Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Construction - Case Study Example It has emerged that economic instruments such as collection and disposal charges are very efficient in internalizing the externalities of the disposal of waste. This will reduce the amount of waste going to landfill through the recycling process and minimization of waste. According to Coopers and Lybrand (1993), tax could be justified since it reflects the wider scope of the environmental cost of the landfill and promotes recycling and minimization of waste. An increase of the rate of taxation by 50% would have some major impacts in this sector. An increase in taxation is likely to arise from tighter planning controls, reduction of the quantity of waste that requires being disposed and the reduction in competition in this sector after the smaller operators have been forced out (Environmental Resources Ltd, 2002). The increase in cost is likely to stabilize the current rate of  £20- £25/t making it more competitive in comparison to the landfill. The quantity of waste that goes to landfill is likely to be affected significantly but in the end, it will shift towards incineration. The increase in the taxation rate will help to achieve the polluters’ pays principle and also ensure proper pricing of the landfill waste. This will help to increase the proportion of waste management. Another important impact of the increase in the taxation rates is the consequential reduction in the administrative costs hence raising the standards of waste management. There is also likely to be a reduction on the demand for the local materials hence reducing the mining activities carried out which usually have a very negative impact on the environment (HM Customs and Excise, 2005). The construction firms would be forced to move the inert materials and rubble between projects and this is likely to force the smaller practitioners to either comply or quit. However an increase in the taxation rate will